Oakland Athletics manager Bob Geren said C Landon Powell will likely start behind the plate Saturday, Oct. 3, against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, according to The Associated Press.

Rajai Davis went 1-for-4 with a single in Wednesday's 7-0 loss at Seattle.

Our View: The A's only mustered two hits in the game, with the other one coming from Landon Powell. Davis is batting .339 this month.

Mychael Urban, of MLB.com, reports Oakland Athletics C Landon Powell said he will be taking groundballs at first base in an attempt to make himself more worthy to the team in the future. He will also try to make himself useful as a designated hitter in order to receive more playing time. "I've always put catching first, and I'll still pay attention to it because you never know what could happen in this game, but I want to get out there and help the team any way I can, and if Kurt's healthy, obviously I'm going to have to find a way to do that at another spot," Powell said. Powell has made four starts at first base this season.

Mark Ellis went 2-for-3 with a run scored in Sunday's 7-4 loss to the Angels.

Our View: The Oakland second baseman has recorded eight multi-hit games this month and has cracked four of his ten homers in September.

Oakland Athletics 2B Mark Ellis hit a three-run homer Saturday, Sept. 26, against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, according to The Associated Press.

News: Mark Ellis homered to break the franchise record for second basemen and the Athletics extended their winning streak to six games with an 8-4 win Saturday over Cleveland.

Analysis: Ellis has been a solid contributor for AL-only leagues once off the DL and is hot enough to consider as a sleeper for mixed leagues in the season's final two weeks

The A's expect that Chavez (back) will be available for the start of spring training next year, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Spin: Whether that means as a DH or as a third baseman remains to be seen, but we're not counting on him.Thu, Oct 8

Susan Slusser, of the San Francisco Chronicle, reports Oakland Athletics DH Jack Cust said he would like to return to the team next season. "Maybe, I don't know," Cust said. "It's looking more like it. I hope I'm back, but it's not my decision and I know they have some things to think about, if they want to spend that money on me or someone else. There are a lot of guys I'm sure they want to look at. They've showed they want to go young." C Landon Powell and 3B Eric Chavez could also be designated-hitter candidates next year.

Eric Chavez will attempt to return to play third base for the A's next spring training. "I'll try to get in great shape, roll the dice and see what happens," Chavez said. He underwent a second microdiscectomy on his back in June. There's no guarantee that he'll ever be a major contributor again.Source: Associated Press

Hairston (hip, back) has officially been shut down for the season, the team's web site reports.

Spin: Injuries out a damper on Hairston's production once acquired by the A's, but a healthy Hairston projects as an everyday player for Oakland next season.Sat, Oct 3

Updating a previous item, The Associated Press reports Oakland Athletics OF Scott Hairston (hip/back) is officially out for the season.

News: From The Sports Xchange notes: OF Scott Hairston probably will not play again this season, according to manager Bob Geren, who said that Hairston would have to show "drastic" improvement to get on the field in the next week. Hairston has a sore left hip and right SI joint to go along with the left quad strain he has played with since July.

Analysis: Hairston has 20-homer potential for 2010, but he really has never made it through a full season as a full-time starter. His status is tenuous as a starter for next year at this point, too

It looks like Davis will end the year with a batting average north of .300 for the first time, as the single and double lifted his average to .306. That mark, combined with his 65 runs and 41 steals, made Davis a surprisingly adept option in mixed formats. Look for him as a cheap source for steals next year as he's earned a very good chance at starting for the A's in 2010.

News: From The Sports Xchange notes: OF Rajai Davis went 0 for 5 Sunday to end his career-high best hitting streak at 14 games. Davis, batting leadoff Sunday with Adam Kennedy not in the lineup against lefty Joe Saunders, hit into a force at the plate in the third and into a bases-loaded inning-ending double play in the seventh. He is batting .309, highest among A's regulars.

Analysis: Davis has hit been great in the second half, especially September, and he is hot enough to consider in any league. Most of his value is found in Rotisserie formats where you need steals. He is a nice sleeper for Draft Day 2010 for his potential to steal 50-plus bases as a regular for the A's

The Associated Press reports Oakland Athletics OF Rajai Davis extended his hitting streak to 12 games Thursday, Sept. 24, matching his career high. He hit his fifth triple of the year in the contest.

Sweeney (patella tendinitis) has begun his rehab process after getting shut down for three weeks, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Spin: Sweeney expects to be ready for the start of spring training. The emergence of Rajai Davis has pushed Sweeney over to a corner outfield spot, where his lack of power is a bigger problem.Sun, Nov 1

Susan Slusser, of the San Francisco Chronicle, reports Oakland Athletics OF Ryan Sweeney (knee) has started physical therapy and will be ready for Spring Training.

The San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser reports that Oakland Athletics OF Ryan Sweeney (knee) is expected to be ready by spring training.

News: Athletics OF Jack Cust homered for the 25th time this season Thursday at Seattle, going 2 for 4. He's coming off a September in which he hit .243 with four home runs. He's an arbitration-eligible player this winter, and according to The Sports Xchange, the A's might non-tender him.

Analysis: Cust is a feast-or-famine type who walks a lot but strikes out even more. His low batting average makes him hard to recommend in mixed leagues. He's nothing more than a late-round possibility for 2010

Jack Cust yanked his 25th home run in the ninth inning of a 4-1 game on Thursday, but it wouldn't be enough for the A's, who lost 4-2 in Seattle.

Our View: Cust now has at least 25 bombs in each of the past three seasons. The problem is, the free-agent-to-be also has an average below .250 in that span to go along with over 500 strikeouts. Not necessarily a recipe for a huge deal.

News: From The Sports Xchange notes: Jack Cust is one of Oakland's arbitration-eligible players this winter, and there is a chance the team will non-tender him. He will be making well over $3 million, and the team has several up-and-coming outfielder/DH types, including Chris C. Carter and potentially Brett Wallace. Cust is aware that his future might not lie in Oakland. "Maybe, I don't know," Cust told the San Francisco Chronicle. "It's looking more like it. ... I hope I'm back, but it's not my decision and I know they have some things to think about, if they want to spend that money on me or someone else. There are a lot of guys I'm sure they want to look at. They've shown they want to go young." The A's have other DH possibilities even if top prospects Carter and Wallace don't make the club. Landon Powell, the backup catcher, is a good enough hitter he could handle the position on occasion -- and if Eric Chavez can't return to third after his second back surgery, he might have to move to DH.

Analysis: Cust is a streaky free-swinger who is a fringe option in mixed leagues. Wallace and Carter are elite slugging prospects who could be great sleepers if they find at-bats in Oakland next year. Powell and Chavez figure to be more of AL-only options at this point, although playing time and Chavez's health next March could enhance their status

Daric Barton went 2-for-3 with a walk Sunday against the Angels. Barton was a disappointment in Triple-A, but he gave the A's a nice .287/.386/.434 line in 143 at-bats after the All-Star break. That should be good enough to make him the heavy favorite to open next year at first base for Oakland. He'll need to keep hitting in order to stay ahead of Chris Carter and Brett Wallace.

News: From The Sports Xchange notes: Daric Barton got his first start of the season in the No. 2 spot in the order Sunday against Angels left hander Joe Saunders and went 1 for 4 with a double. Barton recorded a career-high four hits the night before and over the past 15 games he is 20 for 51 with 12 RBI and 15 runs.

Analysis: Barton has been a bust of a prospect and doesn't boast enough power to be a real option to start for the A's and Fantasy owners in mixed leagues. There is potential here still, though, so consider him a potential surprise next spring

News: Oakland 1B Daric Barton hit an RBI single in the 6th inning of Friday's 3-0 win over the Angels. Barton went 2 for 3 in the game and added a walk and a run scored. He's batting .262.

Analysis: Barton has hits in five of his last six contests and has driven in at least one run in five straight games with seven total over that span. Barton remains a low-end flier option in super-deep AL-only formats

News: Athletics SP Trevor Cahill, who entered the game with wins in four of his previous five starts and a 2.64 ERA over his previous eight, got roughed up in his final start Tuesday at Seattle. He allowed six runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings, issuing two walks and recording one strikeout.

Analysis: In all, Cahill had a fairly successful season for a 21-year-old rookie. He finished with a 4.63 ERA and a low strikeout rate, but he started to show his upside later in the year. He has the potential to emerge as a must-start option in Fantasy, but his inconsistencies this year will make him just a late-round sleeper in 2010

Trevor Cahill was lit up for six earned runs on eight hits over 4.2 innings in Tuesday's 6-4 loss at Seattle. He had two walks with one strikeout.

Our View: The rookie fell off track after going 4-0 over his previous five starts. He is now 10-13 with a 4.63 ERA for the season.

Trevor Cahill was tagged for six runs over 4 2/3 innings in 6-4 loss to the Mariners on Tuesday night. And so, a string of of eight straight starts of three runs or less comes to an end. Cahill cruised over the first four innings, but was chased by giving up five runs in the fifth. It was his first loss since August 11. The 21-year-old is 10-13 with a 4.63 ERA over his first 32 big-league starts.

News: The A's have placed SP Vin Mazzaro on the 60-d,ay DL retroactive to September 8, with right shoulder tendinitis. Mazzaro had already been ruled out for the season.

Analysis: Mazzaro, 22, had struggled over his last few starts, failing to go six innings in any of his last six outings, but he showed his potential at times, particularly early on. He'll likely be just an AL-only option entering next year

Vin Mazzaro has been placed on the 60-day DL by the Athletics, according to the Sports Network. He is dealing with right shoulder tendinitis.

Our View: The rookie hurler is 4-9 with a 5.32 ERA over 17 starts with Oakland this season, and fantasy owners should manage fine without him while gearing up for the playoffs.

News: The A's have decided SP Vin Mazzaro will not pitch the rest of the season due to right shoulder tendinitis.

Analysis: The A's were on the fence about this move, but it seems the only logical choice considering Mazzaro is 22 and they're playing for nothing. He struggled over his last few starts, failing to go six innings in any of his last six, but he showed his potential at times, particularly early on. He'll likely be just an AL-only option entering next year

Athletics.MLB.com's Mychael Urban reports Oakland Athletics SP Clayton Mortensen will have to refine his secondary pitches to complement his two-seam fastball to challenge for a spot in the rotation next spring.

Clayton Mortensen issued an apology Sunday addressing his DUI arrest. As Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle points out, it seemed heartfelt. "First off, I want to apologize to the A's and my family," Mortensen said. "Calling my dad this morning was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I'm deeply embarrassed for what I've done and my poor judgment. I can honestly say it will never happen again. I'm very ashamed and embarrassed."Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Clayton Mortensen issued an apology Sunday afternoon following his DUI arrest. As Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle points out, it seemed heartfelt. "First off, I want to apologize to the A's and my family," Mortensen said. "Calling my dad this morning was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I'm deeply embarrassed for what I've done and my poor judgment. I can honestly say it will never happen again. I'm very ashamed and embarrassed."Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Outman (elbow) has begun his throwing program and hopes to throw from a mound around the start of spring training, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Spin: However, Outman isn't expected to be ready for game action until around the All-Star break.Sun, Nov 1

Josh Outman, who underwent Tommy John surgery in late June, began a throwing program last week in St. Louis. Tommy John recovery times for vary for pitchers, but usually range from 12-18 months. He's on the right track and hopes to be ready for big league action shortly after the All-Star break next season. Outman was 4-1 with a 3.48 ERA in 12 starts this year before injuring his left elbow.Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Susan Slusser, of the San Francisco Chronicle, reports Oakland Athletics SP Josh Outman (elbow) began his throwing program last week and expects to be throwing off a mound by Spring Training. However, he will not be ready to pitch in a game until after the All-Star break.

News: A's RP Michael Wuertz claimed his fourth save of the season Saturday in a win over the Indians.

Analysis: Wuertz is certainly one of the better middle relievers in baseball, offering an outstanding strikeout rate, and the fact he's second in line for saves in Oakland only adds to his appeal. Still, he's mostly just an AL-only option

Wuertz notched his first save since July 20, but this doesn't seem to be an indication that Drew Bailey will lose the closer role. There hasn't been any word that Bailey's role is in trouble so continue to assume he'll get most of the save opportunities down the stretch.

Miguel Cabrera went 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 9-4 loss at Oakland. He hit two singles and a two-run homer off Michael Wuertz.

Our View: Cabrera hit his team-leading 25th homer of 2009, and the 200th of his career. He also continues to pace Detroit with a .338 batting average and 75 RBI.

The San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser reports Oakland Athletics RP Santiago Casilla has struggled since coming off the disabled list May 15. He has a 13.06 ERA since his return and also has allowed five of six inherited runners to score. Opponents are hitting .388 against him in that span. Before going on the DL with a minor knee injury April 29, Casilla had a 1.59 ERA and opponents were batting .079 against him.

Casilla, who allowed a three-run homer on Monday, has a 12.38 ERA in nine appearances since coming off the DL.

Spin: In just eight innings he's allowed 11 runs on 16 hits, including four homers, and six walks. Both Brad Ziegler and Aaron Bailey have had their troubles recently but Casilla's not doing anything to get tossed into the closer's mix right now.Mon, Jun 1

Athletics activated RHP Santiago Casilla from the disabled list. Casilla and Aaron Cunningham join the active roster, with Jeff Gray and Jerry Blevins heading to Triple-A. Casilla seems injury-prone, so you might think twice before counting on him in 2009.

LHP Jerry Blevins is working to add a cut-fastball to his repertoire. Blevins turned in a solid 2008 season but in limited time in 2008 and 2009, has been awful. The cutter can't hurt. The to-be 26-year old will compete for a bullpen spot out of spring training.Source: San Jose Mercury News

Blevins was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday, the Athletics' official site reports.

Spin: He'll rejoin the bullpen, where he posted a 12.46 ERA over five appearances earlier this season.Tue, Sep 1

Jerry Blevins has been recalled from Triple-A Sacramento by the A's, according to TSN.

Our View: Blevins carries a 12.46 ERA over 4.1 innings of relief with Oakland this season, and does not look to hold much fantasy value in his latest stint with the club.

News: From The Sports Xchange notes: Oakland has many young pitchers that draw raves, but there's always been a bit of an extra buzz about Henry A. Rodriguez. That is because Rodriguez, 22, throws 100 mph, a radar gun reading he hit several times Monday night in his major-league debut. However, Rodriguez had issues with his location, which is the primary reason he hasn't been called up before now. He walked one, hit a batter, threw two wild pitches and was late covering first base, costing second baseman Eric Patterson an error. He allowed two runs, one earned, in an inning. "Obviously you can see talent there, but he has a way to go from what I saw (Monday night)," Oakland manager Bob Geren said. "You don't see the scoreboard go to triple digits very often, but he's got to work on his command."

Analysis: At two levels of the minors this season, Rodriguez averaged more than 15 strikeouts per nine innings. The only problem: He also averaged more than seven walks per nine innings. Oakland's bullpen has been its great strength all season, and with promising youngsters such as Rodriguez in the wings -- and impressive Brad Kilby, who hasn't allowed a run in his first seven career outings, over 11 innings -- the team might be able to deal some relievers for offensive help this winter. Consider Rodriguez nothing more than an intriguing long-term relief prospect and no candidate to close games in the first half of 2010

News: The Oakland Athletics have recalled outfielder Travis Buck and pitchers Henry A. Rodriguez and Jon Meloan from the minors.

Analysis: Rodriguez was 2-1 with a 5.77 ERA with Sacramento. This is the right-hander's first trip to the majors. Rodriguez is a 100 mph arm who is a potential closer long term, however, his ERA in the minors leaves a lot to be desired. You don't need him in Fantasy play right now

News: SS Orlando Cabrera and UTL Nomar Garciaparra could be more than a week from their first exhibition games with the A's. Both players stood in for batting practice against rehabbing RHP Henry Rodriguez on Tuesday. It was the first time this spring training either player had seen live pitching, although Cabrera did not swing. Rodriguez, who had been out with a sports hernia, threw his second batting practice session. He is ready to pitch in an exhibition game, bullpen coach Ron Romanick said.

Analysis: Rodriguez has the stuff to be a knockout closer down the road, but he struggled in Double-A last season. Consider him a long shot to make the major-league staff, especially since he is battling injury

The A's recalled Meloan from Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday, the Associated Press reports.

Spin: Meloan has bounced from team to team this season and is now with his fourth organization this year. He had a 4.37 ERA in the minors this year, posting 61 strikeouts in 68 innings.Sat, Sep 19

News: The Oakland Athletics have recalled outfielder Travis Buck and pitchers Henry A. Rodriguez and Jon Meloan from the minors.

Analysis: Meloan is with his fourth organization this season, having previously spent time at the Triple-A level with Cleveland, Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh before being claimed off waivers by Oakland on Sept. 2. The righty has 61 strikeouts in 68 innings this year with a 4.37 ERA. Leave him on waivers in all leagues

News: The Athletics acquired Meloan off waivers from the Pirates and optioned him to the minor leagues.

Analysis: Meloan, a former top Dodgers pitching prospect, could still develop into a major leaguer, but he is not worth stashing on Fantasy rosters at this point

News: From The Sports Xchange: RHP Joey Devine threw Saturday for the first time since Tommy John surgery in April. He made 30 throws at a distance of 35 feet and he will repeat that Monday. Devine came out of his initial session feeling great Sunday; he and Andrew Bailey could wind up in a competition for the closer spot next spring.

Analysis: Devine is a decent DL stashee in keeper leagues, especially since he could be a candidate to close. We have to figure the A's will be cautious with him next spring, though, and give Bailey the first crack at the role

The Oakland Tribune reports Oakland Athletics RP Joey Devine (elbow) played catch Saturday, Aug. 15, for the first time since having ligament-replacement surgery on his right elbow in April. He made two sets of 15 throws from 35 feet. Devine is hoping to be ready by spring training in February.

Joey Devine played catch Saturday for the first time since undergoing Tommy John Surgery in April. Devine is aiming to be at full health by the start of spring training 2010. If he reaches his goal, there's a good chance he'll be battling Andrew Bailey for ninth-inning duties next season.Source: San Jose Mercury News Related: Andrew Bailey